Author(s): Ali Williams with James Griffin

Sports

Following on from last year's stunningly successful bestseller, Ali's Book of Tall Tales, the All Blacks' big lock with the off-beat (and oft irreverent) sense of humour has teamed up again with James Griffin to produce this hilarious preview of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Although an Achilles heel injury has kept Williams off the international rugby scene for a couple of seasons, All Blacks coach Graham Henry has already made it plain that a fully fit Williams will play a big role in his World Cup plans. And, with plenty of spare time on his hands, Williams, along with Griffin one of New Zealand humour's master craftsmen have been able to focus intently on the 2011 tournament and have produced a book that will again titillate all fans of the national game. The book will take a light-hearted look at the All Blacks squad members, all of the countries participating and will bring to light statistics that many players would have preferred never to have seen the light of day. Williams' Tall Tales spent seven weeks atop the NZ Bestsellers list in the highly competitive Christmas market last year. In World Cup year this book promises to be just as successful.

About the author:
James Griffin is one half of the creative pair behind Outrageous Fortune, which won him the Air New Zealand Screen Award for Best Script Drama/Comedy in 2007 and also the award for Best Script at the 2007 Qantas Television Awards. James also co-wrote the 2006 blockbuster hit Sione's Wedding with Oscar Kightley. He is currently Head Writer at South Pacific Pictures. Other television credits include Mercy Peak, Spin Doctors, bro'Town (as story producer), Gloss, Funny Business, Marlin Bay, More Issues, Plainclothes, That Comedy Show, Citylife, The Chosen, Jacksons Wharf, Shortland Street, Street Legal, and Being Eve. James has also written for theatre, with his play Serial Killers performed by four major New Zealand theatre companies and won the 2000 Chapman Tripp Award for Best New Writer. He also writes a weekly column for Canvas magazine.